What is the elimination diet for interstitial cystitis and bladder pain syndrome?

From the Guidelines

The elimination diet for interstitial cystitis and bladder pain syndrome involves removing potential dietary triggers that may worsen bladder symptoms, then gradually reintroducing foods to identify personal triggers, as suggested by clinical experience and limited literature 1. To implement this diet, start by eliminating common bladder irritants for 2-3 weeks, including:

• Acidic foods (citrus fruits, tomatoes)
• Caffeinated beverages (coffee, tea, soda)
• Alcohol
• Artificial sweeteners (especially aspartame)
• Spicy foods
• Aged or processed foods high in tyramine
• Foods with high potassium content During this elimination phase, focus on bladder-friendly foods such as:
• Pears
• Watermelon
• Eggs
• Most vegetables (except those listed as triggers)
• Rice
• Oatmeal
• Non-citrus fruits After the elimination period, reintroduce one food category every 3 days while monitoring symptoms in a food diary, as this methodical approach can help identify personal triggers and reduce symptoms 1. This dietary approach is part of a comprehensive treatment plan that may include other therapies for IC/bladder pain syndrome, and it is essential to personalize the diet as trigger foods vary between patients, and adequate hydration with plain water is also crucial, but avoid drinking large volumes at once 1.

From the Research

Elimination Diet for Interstitial Cystitis and Bladder Pain Syndrome

The elimination diet is a controlled method used to determine dietary sensitivities in patients with interstitial cystitis and bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) 2. This diet involves removing certain foods and beverages that may exacerbate symptoms and then reintroducing them to assess their impact.

Foods to Avoid

Studies have identified several foods and beverages that tend to worsen IC/BPS symptoms, including:

• Citrus fruits and juices 3, 4
• Tomatoes and tomato products 3, 5
• Coffee and tea 2, 3
• Carbonated and alcoholic beverages 2, 3
• Spicy foods 2, 3
• Artificial sweeteners 2, 3
• Vitamin C 2, 3
• High-potassium foods 5
• Soybean and tofu products 5

Foods that May Improve Symptoms

Some studies suggest that certain foods and supplements may help alleviate IC/BPS symptoms, including:

• Calcium glycerophosphate 2, 3
• Sodium bicarbonate 2, 3

Implementation of the Elimination Diet

The elimination diet typically involves the following steps:

• Remove common trigger foods and beverages from the diet for a period of time (usually 1-2 weeks)
• Reintroduce each food or beverage one at a time to assess its impact on symptoms
• Keep a food diary to track symptoms and identify potential triggers
• Work with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian to develop a personalized diet plan 6, 5

Key Findings

Studies have shown that a significant proportion of patients with IC/BPS report food sensitivities, with up to 90% of patients experiencing symptom exacerbation in response to certain foods and beverages 2, 4. The elimination diet has been found to be an effective tool in identifying and managing dietary triggers, with some studies demonstrating significant improvements in symptoms and quality of life 5.